麻州長提名4人出任遺囑認證和家庭法院法官

Governor Healey Nominates Four New Judges to Probate and Family Court 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey nominated Laurel Barraco, Bethany Brown, Evelyn Patsos and Brian Salisbury to serve as Associate Justices of the Probate and Family Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.   

“The Probate and Family Court plays a critical role in helping resolve cases that involve some of the most personal and sensitive matters. It’s important to appoint thoughtful and compassionate judges, as their decisions help shape the lives of families across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I know that these four talented attorneys will strengthen the bench with their decades of legal experience.”  

“I am excited to work closely with the Governor’s Council to confirm these four nominees and hope to see them serve on the Probate and Family Court,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

The Probate and Family Court Department handles court matters that involve families and children, like divorce, child support, and wills. The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable, and efficient forum to solve family and probate legal matters and to help and protect all individuals, families, and children impartially and respectfully. 

Earlier this term, Governor Healey appointed 10 judges to serve as Associate Justices of the Probate and Family Court: Jennifer Bingham, Colleen Carroll, Caryn Mitchell-Munevar, Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, Michelle Yee, Jessica Dubin, Alexandra Flanders, Mikalen Howe, and Carla Salvucci. Governor Healey also appointed Stephanie L. Everett, Esq. to serve as the Suffolk Register of Probate, and Mark Ames to serve as Hampshire Register of Probate. 

For more information about the Probate and Family Court, visit its homepage. 

About the Nominees: 

Laurel Barraco has, since 2016, been an Owner and Attorney at Callahan, Barraco, Inman & Bonzagni, where she represents clients in all phases of litigation pertaining to divorce, modifications, contempt actions, restraining order hearings, paternity suits, and adoptions. She has broad experience attending and advocating on behalf of clients at depositions, motion hearings, pre-trial conferences, evidentiary hearings, mediations, and trials.  Previously, Attorney Barraco was a Partner at another law firm where she also specialized in family law. From 2020 to 2024, Attorney Barraco was named a Super Lawyers ® Rising Star, and in 2020 she was named a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Excellence in the Law Honoree. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Policy & Administration from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctor from New England Law-Boston.  

Bethany Brown is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Law Office of Bethany C. Brown where, for more than 20 years, she has concentrated her practice in family law, handling all facets of domestic relations and probate practice including divorce, paternity, adoption, and guardianship, modification, contempt, abuse prevention orders, and wills. Prior to starting her own practice, Attorney Brown was an Associate at another law firm where her practice focused on domestic relations and probate matters. Attorney Brown has also served as a Union Representative on behalf of the public and private sector members of the Service Workers International Union Local 254. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science Philosophy from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law.  

Evelyn Patsos currently serves as the Deputy Legal Counsel and Elder Justice Innovation Grant Project Director at the Probate and Family Court. Previously, she served as a Deputy Assistant Register and Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code Magistrate in the Worcester Probate and Family Court. Before that she was in private practice, focusing on all aspects of domestic relations law, including divorce, custody, and pre and post-nuptial agreements.  Since 2007, her work has focused on the implementation and management of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code and the Massachusetts Uniform Trust Code.  In 2017, Attorney Patsos assisted in the creation of the Fiduciary Litigation Session (FLS) pilot project in the Probate and Family Court and now manages the day-to-day operations of two specialized probate sessions.  In 2021, she was instrumental in securing a $1 Million-dollar federal Elder Justice Innovation Grant to create the first ever Office of Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship Oversight within the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court.  She currently serves as Project Director for this grant. Attorney Patsos also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee. She is the co-editor of the MCLE Massachusetts Probate Manual and is a contributing author of several chapters. She is also a contributing author of MCLE’s Guardianship and Conservatorship Practice Under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, and the editor and a contributing author of the MUPC Estate Administration Procedural Guide, published by the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court.

Brian Salisbury is a Partner at Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond, & Weil, P.C., where his practice includes all aspects of divorce and family law litigation, probate and fiduciary litigation, serving in fiduciary roles, and serving as a Special Master, Discovery Master, Category F Guardian ad Litem investigator in domestic matters, a Category V Parent Coordinator, and a Category D Guardian ad Litem in probate/fiduciary matters. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School.  

The Boch Center王氏劇院慶100週年 Ernie Boch Jr.簽約再支持10年

The Boch Center Wang Theatre執行長J. Casey Soward (右二)
和Ernie Boch Jr. (左二)簽約，再合作10年，直至2036年。 (周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 博赫中心王安劇院 (The Boch Center Wang Theatre) 今(29)日以劇院Ernie Boch Jr.和執行長J. Casey Soward簽約，全方位再支持10年，拉開慶祝成立100週年系列活動序幕。

系列慶祝活動之一包括推出為期一年的”100善舉 (100 Acts of Kindness)”，贈送禮品，票券升等，出現在劇院大帳棚上等等。從情人節週末開始的電影放映，門票將以價格隨意形式出售。

Ernie Boch Jr. (左)和The Boch Center Wang Theatre執行長J. Casey Soward (右)簽約。
(周菊子攝)

          博赫中心王安劇院由Max Shoolman開發，建築師Clarence Blackall設計，在1925開張啟用，原名「大都會劇院 (The Metropolitan Theatre)」，當年有如一座宏偉的”電影大教堂”。由於其內部裝潢既藝術，又華麗，還有3600個座位，在當時是全美最大劇院之一，啟用後很快就成為了波士頓的文化中心。

                      1962年時，這個場地改名為”音樂廳”，還成了波士頓芭蕾舞團的家，也是舞蹈、歌劇、電影，以及其他表演的場地。1980年代，這劇院成為非牟利機構，後來還因為王安博士的巨額捐款，帶動了慈善社區資助劇院的大規模翻修，這劇院再改名為王氏劇院。

                  波士頓環球報形容，當年一開張，9天就創下吸引大約13萬3千人進場的紀錄。

博赫中心王安劇院 (The Boch Center Wang Theatre) 。 (周菊子攝)

                在今日的慶祝100週年啟動儀式中，博赫中心王安劇院的董事會主席Mark Weld和董事長暨執行長J. Casey Soward分別分享了劇院歷史，現狀，未來展望，以及為期一年的慶祝活動。

博赫中心王安劇院 (The Boch Center Wang Theatre) 啟動100週年慶祝。(周菊子攝)

               去年秋天才加入博赫中心王安劇院的J. Casey Soward表示，Ernie Boch Jr.已同意再支持該劇院10年，直到2036年，總價值估計1250萬元。

            Ernie Boch Jr.是大波士頓著名的汽車經銷商，代理銷售許多品牌汽車。他說自己一直都很喜歡王安劇院，甚至記得自己是在王安劇院，參加了他有生以來的第一場音樂會，還為”深紫”音樂會的門票，睡在人行道上。

            Ernie Boch Jr.是在2016年，花旗集團 (Citigroup) 突然終止贊助王氏劇院時，接手成為贊助者。由於他欣賞表演藝術中心的衍進，2019年時一邊繼續為小孩子提供教育性項目，一邊推出了「美國民謠根源名人堂」。

            查詢博赫中心王安劇院100週年慶活動詳情，可上網www.wangtheatre100.org。

博赫中心王安劇院 (The Boch Center Wang Theatre) 慶祝100週年系列活動之一。(周菊子攝)

BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCES DECLINE IN OVERDOSE DEATHS IN BOSTON

BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCES DECLINE IN OVERDOSE DEATHS IN BOSTON 

New data analyzed by the Boston Public Health Commission show most significant decreases are among Black and Latinx residents 

BOSTON – January 29, 2025 – The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today announced promising new data showing a significant decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths from May to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting the continued decline in overdose deaths in Boston. From May to August 2024, opioid-related overdose deaths among Boston residents were down 39% overall, especially among Black and Latinx residents, who experienced a 56% and 28% decrease, respectively. While this new analysis is preliminary and represents only a portion of 2024, it offers an encouraging sign of progress.  

“The use of evidence-based strategies, including increasing access to naloxone, decreasing substance use stigma, and expanding mobile outreach has played an integral part in continuing this promising trend,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “To maintain this momentum, it is imperative that we continue to provide our communities with resources, support, and education to make lasting progress in the fight against substance use and overdose.” 

According to BPHC’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda, unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of early death in Boston, and it disproportionately impacts Black and Latinx communities. Black and Latinx residents account for 40% of Boston’s total population, but from May to August 2024, they accounted for 52% of all overdose deaths. 

As the Health Commission closely monitors the impacts of the opioid epidemic in Boston, it is also evaluating various factors that contribute to the decline in overdose deaths, such as increasing access to naloxone, an effective, easy-to-use medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. In 2024, the Health Commission distributed nearly 22,000 doses of naloxone across Boston, demonstrating the impact of evidence-based strategies and mobile outreach. The Health Commission also launched a campaign to educate the public about ways to protect loved ones from overdose and granted $1 million in funding to five community organizations to distribute naloxone, provide overdose education, and link people to care. Recently, the City and BPHC installed four public health vending machines at existing harm reduction, homeless services, and medical program facilities across the city and eight indoor naloxone distribution kiosks. Those locations, as well as other places that offer free or over-the-counter naloxone, can be found using the map at boston.gov/naloxone. Organizations can also request free naloxone at that website.  

"Having naloxone means you are prepared for when emergencies happen, which is especially important if you know your loved ones use substances," said Leah Randolph, Executive Director and Co-owner of Commonwealth Mental Health & Wellness Center and Leader of the Massachusetts Black Alcohol and Addictions Council. "Naloxone saves lives, and ensuring more people have access to it is a critical step in combating the overdose crisis. However, we must also prioritize training in highly impacted communities to ensure everyone knows how and when to use this life-saving resource effectively."  

BPHC works with community partners to be at the forefront of the City’s response to the substance use crisis. BPHC's Recovery Services Bureau operates a continuum of care, spanning outreach, harm reduction, treatment, and community-based programs. The Bureau’s Post Overdose Response Team, comprised of harm reduction specialists and first responders, conducts in-person, home-based outreach following 911 overdose calls and offers support, education, and referrals to essential resources. In 2024, the team completed 285 visits, demonstrating the effectiveness of addressing the opioid epidemic through education and meeting people where they are.  

"Overdose education is quick, straightforward, and accessible. There are many ways to get trained, including through the Health Commission and other organizations," said Vicente Sanabria, Manager of the Peer Ambassador Program and Recovery Coach at Father's Uplift. "By learning how to save a life during an overdose, you not only protect your community but also empower others by sharing that life-saving knowledge." 

The Health Commission has been steadily increasing prevention services throughout Boston by expanding community outreach, housing and mental health services, harm reduction, and support groups. Harm reduction and treatment referrals are available through BPHC’s AHOPE and PAATHS programs. AHOPE offers lifesaving harm reduction services including syringe exchange; drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl and xylazine; naloxone distribution; and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use. The PAATHS program connects people to a variety of treatment services including detox, medication for opioid use disorder, and outpatient treatment programs. For support with substance use disorders, contact the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or call 3-1-1. For more information, visit boston.gov/recovery.  

DCR Ramps Up Recruitment for Lifeguards and Seasonal Staff for Summer 2025

DCR Ramps Up Recruitment for Lifeguards and Seasonal Staff for Summer 2025  

Candidates can earn up to $27 plus up to $1,250 in bonuses; additional roles for park rangers, interpreters and more  

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced open applications for lifeguards, head lifeguards, pool and waterfront supervisors, and water safety instructors for the 2025 summer season. These positions will serve at the agency’s 32 guarded beaches, 24 swimming pools, and two wading pools throughout the state. DCR offers competitive hourly wages ranging from $22 to $27, depending on the position and required certifications. In addition, qualified candidates who apply early and work through the end of the season can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses. 

“Our beaches welcome thousands of visitors each year, and lifeguards are key to ensuring a safe and fun experience,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As a DCR lifeguard, you’ll be at the heart of a high-energy, rewarding role that helps people enjoy their time while keeping them safe at our pools and waterfronts.”  

“I loved my time working as a lifeguard growing up – it's a fun and important job. You’ll spend your summer outside, make good money and maybe even save lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Lifeguards are leaders in their communities – they are first responders who are trained to calmly and efficiently manage crisis situations at our waterfronts and pools. I encourage anyone who is interested to apply.”  

DCR is offering an early sign-on bonus of $500 for candidates who submit a complete hiring packet by Wednesday, May 1, 2025.  Lifeguards who stay through Sunday, August 17, 2025 – the end of the pool season – will receive a $250 retention bonus. Additionally, those who work through Labor Day, Monday September 1, 2025, marking the end of the beach season, will receive an extra $500 bonus. 

To apply for a lifeguard position, candidates must be at least 16 years old by their date of hire, complete lifeguard training, and be certified in first aid and CPR. DCR offers free lifeguard training classes through May for candidates who commit to working before the summer season begins. As first responders, lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of visitors at state-managed beaches and pools.  

DCR will open its 81 designated swimming areas across Massachusetts Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-26, 2025), and the season will run through Labor Day (September 1, 2025). All DCR pools open in June and are equipped with accessible chair lifts and/or ramps to allow visitors of all abilities to enter the water. DCR also provides beach mats and floating beach wheelchairs at many of its beaches.   

“Climate changes is making our summers hotter than ever. That’s why safe access to our state pools and beaches is so important for families and residents. It is especially vital for our environmental justice communities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Lifeguards help our communities cool down on hot summer days. It’s all about keeping these communities safe while seeking relief from the heat.”  

“Every summer, thousands of families, residents, and visitors of all ages, abilities and backgrounds visit our beautiful beaches and pools,” said DCR Commissioner Arrigo. “Recruiting and hiring trained and qualified lifeguards is crucial to ensuring that our beaches and pools are safe and welcoming places for everyone. If you are a strong swimmer who is looking for a summer job, reach out to us and apply today.”  

Most of DCR’s pool and waterfront positions are seasonal, with a 40-hour work week, including weekends and holidays. Limited part-time lifeguard and instructor positions (up to 20 hours per week) may also be available. To learn more about available pool and waterfront positions or to apply for open positions, visit mass.gov/lifeguards. 

As part of the effort to recruit lifeguards and other pool and beach safety staff for the upcoming summer season, DCR is collaborating with partner state agencies, state and local elected officials, municipalities, and educational institutions to spread the word about this opportunity for good-paying summer employment. DCR’s lifeguard recruitment is a year-round effort. In the fall, DCR ran multilingual radio PSAs recruiting candidates to enroll in the agency’s free lifeguard training classes on JAMN945 and La Mega. Staff have also been promoting the job opportunities at job fairs and expos.      

DCR is also hiring for other seasonal positions for Memorial Day through Labor Day, including rangers, park interpreters, supervisors, forestry assistants, building and ground maintenance workers, and office assistance. Some positions will run from April through October. For more information, interested applicants should visit www.mass.gov/guides/dcr-seasonaljobs 

麻州房地產稅最貴市鎮 Longmeadow排第一

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州各市鎮的房地產稅從2021年以來，持續下降，然而單家庭屋價格上漲的速度，卻快過房地產稅率的下降。

              麻州單家庭屋的總值，有史以來第一次的超過1兆元，一棟單家庭屋的中位價格，升到了70萬零872元。

              單家庭屋業主的稅單，今年平均增加了4.5%，約為7735元。也就是屋主須繳交的房屋稅金額，在稅率降低之際，持續上漲。

              住宅類房地產稅最高的城鎮是Longmeadow，去年最高的Plainfield，今年跌至第七。

在商業房地產稅率中，波士頓市排名前20。排到這麼前，還是人們近年記憶中的第一次。

       以下為麻州市鎮房地產稅率排名，以及每千元估值需繳交的稅額:

1. Longmeadow: $25.47
2. Plainfield: $24.89
3. Chilmark: Not included in DOR's data
4. Gill: Not included in DOR's data
5. Gosnold: Not included in DOR's data
6. Mashpee: Not included in DOR's data
7. Royalston: Not included in DOR's data
8. Tyringham: Not included in DOR's data
9. Wendell: Not included in DOR's data
10. Boston: Among the top 20 highest commercial tax rates

State Officials Provide Updated Guidance on Suspected Avian Flu Cases Reported Across Massachusetts

State Officials Provide Updated Guidance on Suspected Avian Flu Cases Reported Across Massachusetts  

Recommendations aim to support public health, agriculture, and wildlife amid ongoing monitoring efforts 

A virtual media availability will be held today at 11:30 am. To RSVP, contact aisha.revolus@mass.gov 

BOSTON – State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases.   

Since early 2022, Massachusetts has had recurring incidents of HPAI. In January 2025, an outbreak of HPAI was suspected of causing the death of Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. Preliminary positive cases are being reported at other locations across the state. Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive. State officials are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds.  

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl, and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected.  

Report Suspected Cases: 

• Report Wild Birds: The public should report observations to MassWildlife of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location, using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds. 
• Report Domestic Birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 or through mass.gov/reportpoultry.  

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have direct contact with animals infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH’s Avian Influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800.  

Tips for the Public:  

• Avoid handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling wildlife, especially sick or dead birds or other animals. 
• Keep pets safe: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife. 
• Hunting: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize the risk of wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.    

Tips for Livestock and Poultry Owners: 

Since wild migratory birds are natural carriers for Avian Influenza viruses, including HPAI, preventing wild birds from mixing with or having contact with domestic flocks is essential to disease control and prevention. 

• Poultry owners should continue to practice strong biosecurity measures to keep their birds away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl, feathers, and droppings.
• Poultry owners with water bodies on their property should take steps to mitigate wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is critical.   
• Avoid unnecessary movement of poultry between locations and be aware of the potential to carry HPAI-contaminated materials onto properties where domestic birds are kept. 
• New birds should be completely isolated for at least one month prior to being added to a domestic flock. Birds returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated from the home flock as if they were new arrivals. 
• Limit the number of people that have access to your flock.
• Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations. 
• For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage. 

美國教育評估麻州排名第一

 Massachusetts Ranks #1 in National Education Assessment 

First Time Ranked #1 State In All Four Categories In “Nation’s Report Card” Since 2017  

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Massachusetts students ranked number one among states on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — often called the Nation’s Report Card — last year. Massachusetts students received the highest numeric score of any state on all four assessments – fourth and eighth grade math and reading – and continues to rank first in the nation overall. Scores across the country, including Massachusetts, continue to lag pre-pandemic levels, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has put in place nation-leading early literacy and tutoring programs to address those gaps. 

The NAEP is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of America’s students' knowledge in subjects such as math, reading, science and writing. The assessment tests representative samples of fourth- and eighth-grade students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The tests are generally administered every two years. 

“Massachusetts is #1 in education because of our incredible students, families, educators and school officials,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These are more than just test scores – they represent our commitment to making sure that every student graduates our schools with the skills they need to succeed in the future. We know there is much work left to do build back from the pandemic and support every child. Our administration is going to keep investing in our schools, promoting early literacy and tutoring, reducing chronic absenteeism, and helping our students and educators every step of the way.” 

“These nation-leading results are the product of hard work and investment, and we will continue to focus on early literacy and other foundational skills that set students up for success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Congratulations to all of the students and educators who hustled to make sure they had the knowledge and skills to perform well on these tests and in the future.”  

The ability for students to read and read well has been a priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which created the nation-leading, multi-year strategy Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3. Literacy Launch makes sure schools, educators and students have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction through literacy materials, technical support, coaching and professional development for educators. The administration secured $20 million for the first year, with the first grants going out to schools earlier this week. Governor Healey’s FY26 budget includes $25 million for the second year of Literacy Launch and $25 million for a literacy high dosage tutoring initiative to address pandemic learning loss and accelerate literacy growth for students.  

The administration has also been focused on reducing chronic absenteeism and supporting students getting back into the classroom where they can learn and access supports like universal school meals and mental health services. This year, the administration launched the ‘Your Presence is Powerful’ campaign to emphasize the importance of attending school and delivered golden basketballs donated by the Celtics and signed by the 2024 World Champion team to the Massachusetts schools that had the greatest drop in chronic absenteeism. The statewide chronic absenteeism rate has decreased 2.5 percentage points from 22.2 percent at the end of the of the 2022-23 school year to 19.7 percent at the end of the 2023-24 school year. That is also an 8 percentage point decrease from the end of the 2021-22 school year.  

“Two years ago, this administration hit the ground running to stabilize and heal our education system as we recover from the pandemic. We have been focused on accelerating student learning, including through high-dosage math tutoring and investing in early literacy,” said Education Secretary Patrick A. Tutwiler. “We also know that there remain achievement gaps that must be addressed across the board, and we are going to keep working to see to it that we are #1 for all students in our state.”  

“These results, combined with our MCAS results, show us that we have strong schools but that much remains to be done, both to recover from the pandemic and to address student achievement,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “I’m grateful to all the educators, families and students who have improved attendance and strengthened student supports. This shared focus on a strong foundation will help make early literacy initiatives and other efforts more successful.”  

Massachusetts’ 2024 NAEP results were as follows:  

• Fourth grade math: Massachusetts had the highest numeric score of any state at 246. 
• Eighth grade math: Massachusetts had the highest numeric score of any state at 283. 
• Fourth grade reading: Massachusetts had the highest numeric score of any state at 225. 
• Eighth grade reading: Massachusetts had the highest numeric score of any state at 268.  

The test is scored on a scale from 0 to 500, and the four achievement levels on the test are below NAEP Basic, NAEP Basic, NAEP Proficient, and NAEP Advanced.  

The scores released today were from tests given to a sample of fourth and eighth grade students in reading and math in January through March 2024. In Massachusetts, approximately 2,600 students in fourth grade were selected to take a NAEP reading assessment, and 2,700 were selected to take a math test. In eighth grade, 2,300 students were selected to take reading, and 2,400 were selected to take math. 

Nationally, scores remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. Compared to 2022, national average scores were higher in fourth grade math and lower in fourth and eighth grade reading. The national average score in eighth grade math remained level with 2022. 

1/30首場拍賣30個支持鯨鷗保護低號碼車牌

              (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州環境信託基金 (MET) 為慶祝露脊鯨 (Right Whale) 車牌30週年，進一步支持其補助項目，將在網上拍賣1-999號碼的露脊鯨和粉紅燕鷗車牌，計畫籌款100萬元。

              第一場拍賣訂1月30日舉行，將拍賣30個車牌。未來2年，還會拍賣更多車牌，分別前綴露脊鯨 (RW)和粉紅燕鷗 (RT)字樣的車牌。

              出售車牌所得款項將用於保護海洋棲息地，瀕危物種，以及青年環保項目。

              MET董事會主席R.J Lyman表示，感謝25000名駕車人士，露脊鯨車牌從1994年開始發行迄今，已為環境保護籌得將近2400萬元。其中700萬元直接用於保護鯨魚類項目。

              第一場拍賣的車牌如下:

RW3, RT5 

RW11, RW22, RW33, RT44, RT55 

RW25, RW65, RW80, RT25, RT30, RT43, RT53, RT73 

RW100, RT100, RW500, RT500 

RW150, RW133, RW319, RW330, RT750, RW963 

RT150, RT133, RT300, RT333, RT750 

美國會要求波士頓等4市長為「庇護城市」出席聽證會

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 美國眾議院關於庇護城市政策的監管及政府改革委員會 (U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on sanctuary city policies) 週一 (1月27日) 發信給波士頓、丹佛 (Denver)、紐約及芝加哥等4個城市的市長，傳喚他們2 月 11出席公聽會作證。

            川普二度上任為美國總統後，發佈了一系列許多行政命令，其中包括1月25日簽署的第13768號行政命令，「加強美國內部的公共安全 (Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States)」，要取消包括庇護城市等庇護管轄區的獲取聯邦補助資格，以及1月20日簽署的「保護美國人民免遭入侵 (Protecting the American People Against Invasion)」，指示官員封鎖庇護城市取得聯邦經費途徑，還賦予總檢察長，國土安全局局長採取任何其他合法行動，刑事的或民視的反對庇護城市。

            美國眾議院監督和政府改革委員會於是發信給曾公開反對川普移民政策，強調自己所管轄城市為「庇護城市」的4名市長，要求他們出席公聽會，提交文件並作證。

            麻州共和黨議員也響應川普政府行動，表示現在是改變麻州忽視聯邦人員遞交的移民居留者做法的時候了。代表Worcester和Hampshire的麻州參議員Peter Durant表示，HD4221。推廣並保護麻州之內安全的法案，目的是要容許執法人員居留那些身揹ICE羈押令，給他們如此做的選擇權

            剛生第3個小孩才2星期的波士頓市長吳弭，28日抱著新生女兒Mira，在產後第一次回到市政府上班時，就面對這聯邦政府傳喚狀況。

            吳弭並未直接說明是否接受出席作證邀請，但表示「華府這是要玩政治。讓他們做他們正在做的。我們將保持聚焦服務我們在這兒的社區。我們有我們的版圖，而且我們很強烈的感覺我們有實實在在的法律依據」。「我們會在適當時候回應那封信」。她未承諾要在委員會面前出現，也還未收到傳票。

            麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 在28日被問到這國會要求時說，「這當然是政治的，而且我們將會看到更多這類的事」。

            何謂「庇護城市」並沒有一個確切定義，但在共和黨人圈中，那已成為地方市鎮拒絕和聯邦當局合作，並純只根據移民身份就羈押人的貶義代名詞。

            波士頓市議會最近重新確認，2014年訂定的波士頓信託法 (Boston Trust Act)，禁止地方警察拘留移民，以便聯邦當局可能的遞解出境，除非美國已發出那個移民的逮捕令。

            吳弭市長也說過，在波士頓市的現行法律下，不會要求或期待執法人員加入大規模驅逐未犯嚴重刑事罪居民出境的行動。

            根據一份上週發給司法部員工的備忘錄，川普政府已經採取步驟，針對例如波士頓等城市，聲言如果政治人物和執法人員不遵循聯邦政府行動，逮捕並遞解出境無證移民，將面對聯邦起訴。

            Elon Musk則在Methuen和大百靈頓 (Barrington)有無證移民被捕，並面對刑事罪控訴，確認犯性侵兒童罪後稱”麻州庇護城市是在保護兒童強姦犯:。

波士頓市長吳弭今日還批評福克斯新聞和菲爾博士藉由提及 ICE 官員來誇大移民執法。她強調了這些行動所造成的恐懼和不穩定，尤其是在川普總統的執政下。她強調了打擊錯誤訊息和向居民提供準確資訊的重要性。包括尚莫維爾市長Katjana Ballantyne 在內的大波士頓地區政府人員也在努力核實資訊並防止恐慌。

麻州美國公民自由聯盟強調，非營利組織領導人和官員需要避免引發恐懼和恐慌，特別是在社群媒體上。